Whenuapai : Horticultural delight

Mega potential awaits at this large subdividable Whenuapai property, writes CEDRIC GRAY.

At 11.03ha, 18 Dale Rd, Whenuapai, is one of the biggest units within a few kilometres of Waitakere City and West Harbour.

It is surrounded by vineyards, commercial orchards and gardens, and by lifestyle blocks on which children's ponies graze.

The property, owned by the Neil and Erin Williams Family Trust, offers a wealth of horticultural options. The land can also be subdivided into two units, each with a maximum size of 4ha.

An interesting and attractive feature is a chestnut grove nearing full production. About 400 trees, well-protected by mature shelter belts, were planted in 1998. The grove lines one side of the lengthy driveway to the board and batten home designed by architect Malcolm Walker, built nine years ago.

Another corner of the property has been leased to a commercial strawberry grower, the lease covering about 3ha and due to expire at the end of the present harvest. And to add to the mix, the trust has planted more than 1200 trees suited to timber production, including pinus radiata, Californian redwood, douglas fir and small numbers of Tasmanian blackwood and macrocarpa.

With several paddocks devoted to cattle grazing and with more than 200m fronting the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour, the property has ample room for further development. The land bordering the harbour has been fenced for several years to allow the regrowth of native trees, supplemented by additional plantings of puriri, kauri, kowhai and cabbage trees.

The three-bedroom home on three levels is surrounded by extensive lawns and gardens, the focal point of which is a saltwater swimming pool. The landscaping includes more than 70 camellias, magnolias and other species that attract an abundance of bird life.

Designed to capture the sun throughout the main living areas, the house features an impressive entrance hall opening to the kitchen, family dining room, formal dining area and formal lounge. Lofty macrocarpa ceilings and macrocarpa joinery - the timber was felled and milled on the property - introduce a stylish rustic feel, made all the more impressive by the large Whitney doors opening to the lawns and outdoor dining area. The formal lounge has an open fire, and a woodburner provides winter warmth in the family rooms.

A mezzanine lounge, with office and balcony, occupies most of the first floor, and there is an attic on the third level. The two-car garage is connected to the house by a covered walkway. The building includes a wine cellar, large storage space and an upstairs room that could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom or self-contained accommodation.

There are two substantial outbuildings near the house.

The property is being marketed by Barfoot & Thompson, West Harbour, where the tender closes on March 16. For more details contact Jill Paige on 416 5599 on 027 476 5011.